For more than 80 years, the 40-hour workweek has been the norm in the U.S. Now, some lawmakers are proposing an extra day off for hourly employees.
Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont known for his progressive views, recently proposed a bill. This bill aims to reduce the standard workweek to 32 hours, ensuring workers receive overtime pay beyond these hours without a cut in their salary and benefits.
Sanders argues that with the advancements in technology, such as automation and artificial intelligence, companies can afford to offer more leisure time to their employees without reducing their income.
However, some critics argue that a shorter workweek could lead companies to hire more staff or face a drop in productivity.
Here’s what Sanders’ bill entails:
The proposed legislation would change the standard workweek from 40 to 32 hours. It would also protect workers from having their pay and benefits reduced due to the decreased hours.
This means that employees who typically work from Monday to Friday could enjoy an additional day off. Those eligible for overtime would be compensated for any work beyond 32 hours.
Sanders suggests implementing these changes gradually over four years. He discussed the proposal at a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing, where he serves as chairman.
The impact of a shorter workweek on employees and productivity has been the subject of recent studies. A study in the UK found that employees were less stressed and more focused, with companies maintaining or increasing their revenues. Another initiative involving 61 companies showed a decrease in employee burnout and an increase in job satisfaction, with some companies reporting significant revenue growth.
Critics, however, believe that a 32-hour workweek may not be feasible for industries that require constant physical presence, such as manufacturing.
In Washington, the proposal faces opposition from Republicans and possibly some Democrats, making its passage unlikely. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana expressed concerns that the proposal could harm small businesses by increasing their costs.
Sanders has been vocal about using technology advancements to benefit workers, not just executives. He advocates for a reduced workweek as a step towards ensuring that workers also enjoy the fruits of technological progress.
The 40-hour workweek became standard following the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, which was a result of labor union efforts to protect workers. This act was a significant milestone in labor rights, capping the workweek at 40 hours and setting a precedent for worker protections.
The move towards a standard workweek was influenced by both government actions and private industry initiatives, with notable figures like Henry Ford advocating for more leisure time for workers.
This discussion on the workweek reflects ongoing debates about labor rights, productivity, and the role of technology in the workplace.